She embarked upon the novel at the age of 75 to settle an old score. “It was unfinished business with my English teacher,” she said, referring to her time at Stockport High School for Girls.

“She didn’t take to me. She said I wasn’t good enough to study in the sixth form.

“I went on to read economics at university, always yearning to be part of the literary crowd — until 60 years later. I thought: 'I will have a go’. That is what I would urge anyone: do it now before it’s too late.”

The Way With Words festival runs until July 19. Featured authors include Martin Amis, PD James and Fay Weldon.